The research groups Organic Contaminants and Landscape Ecohydrology in the Department of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry of IGB in Berlin (Friedrichshagen) invite applications for a 3-year PhD position starting from 01.03.2024 (or soon thereafter). The PhD position is part of the Leibniz Collaborative Excellence project “Pollution in urban ponds, eco-evolutionary dynamics and ecosystem resilience” (POUNDER) funded by the Leibniz Association and will be located in Berlin-Friedrichshagen at Lake Müggelsee. The overall goal of the POUNDER project is to assess the importance of urban ponds as nature-based solutions to manage climate-related hydrologic risks, while promoting biodiversity and human well-being in cities. POUNDER is an inter- and transdisciplinary project and involves partners from Berlin, Stechlin, Potsdam, Hannover, and the University of Iowa, USA.
The aim of this PhD position is to quantify spatio-temporal dynamics of pollutants in urban ponds and to link the urban hydrology to the chemical status of ponds along urbanization gradients in Berlin. We will use an integrated tracer approach that combines the analyses of organic contaminants (e.g., biocides, flame retardants, vehicle-related contaminants) indicative of different urban pollution sources with the analyses of stable water isotopes to assess dominant water sources and pathways of the ponds.
We seek a dynamic scientist who is highly motivated to conduct a PhD joining existing interdisciplinary and international science teams. The research will combine field sampling of urban ponds in Berlin, laboratory sample preparation and chemical and isotopic analytics, as well as data evaluation, geographic information systems analysis and statistical analysis. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the project, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact with scientists from different institutions and to establish a broad network within and outside of academia. IGB provides an attractive working environment and has excellent equipment, technical support, and provides a PhD programme for PhD candidates. The successful candidate should be willing to conduct own field work and have expertise in statistical analysis. Expertise in water pollutants and / or water isotopes would be advantageous.